VVT and oil visc

[crinkles]

Does a VVT engine need special viscosities to keep the VVT mechanisms working right? I've read that Honda's VTEC engines need low visc to protect the VVT mechanism. specifically, does this apply to toyota's VVTi engines too?

 

[mechtech2]

Too thick of an oil can make VVT systems act funky, especially when cold.
Some are more sensitive than others.
When hot, you can use almost any reasonable oil, but cold or intermediate temps can cause goofiness [sometimes].

 

[crinkles]

I've also heard the timing chain tensioner is sensitive to oil viscosity - is this correct?

by what you're saying, should a 5w-50 work well in a toyota VVTi engine?

 

[kr_bitog]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
I've also heard the timing chain tensioner is sensitive to oil viscosity - is this correct?

by what you're saying, should a 5w-50 work well in a toyota VVTi engine?

I am afraid the answer is no.
toyota vvt normally use 20 weight oil on colder climate and 30 weight on hot climate. For mineral 40 weight may still ok on hot climate, but 50 it may cause oil starvation due to smaller engine oil passage and engine deposits

 

[webfors]

Check the car manual and use what it says to use and everything will work as it should and last forever

 

[zulu]

Yes. The solenoid valves are designed around specific oil viscosities. VVT engines are much more dependent/sensitive to oil viscosities than are more traditional engines.